Toys donated in memory of Amelia

HUNDREDS of toys have been handed over to the Royal Derby Hospital in memory of Ilkeston girl Amelia Rose Sutton.

Amelia’s parents Louise Toplis and Adrian Sutton presented the toys to children on the Puffin Ward at the hospital on Saturday.

They were bought with cash collected for the Help Amelia Rose Trust (HART).

Louise said: “I think the staff and patients were overwhelmed with the amount of toys we had to hand over.

“They were really pleased with everything.”

Since little Amelia’s death at the end of April people have been asking her family how they can make donations to HART.

Louise added: “We’re still being sent cards and flowers at home now.

“It’s still amazing to see how many lives that Amelia touched and the support we’ve had has been unbelievable.”

Donations can be made via the trust’s website www.helpamelia.org or through A. W. Lymn on Cotmanhay Road.

Adrian said: “Anyone who wants to donate can do.

“The fund wll now be raising cash for the Royal Derby Hospital to help them achieve their sunshine deck playground.

“They need £25,000 to build the playground and any donation however big or small will help other children like Amelia have a lovely playground to play on whilst they get better, and will help our princess’ memory live on.”

Louise said: “It’s things like playgrounds and toys that make the difference when you’re in the hospital.

“Without that me and Amelia would have been bored and going out to the playground was one of those normal things we could do while we were still in hospital.”

The couple also want to let people know that they will no longer be collecting cans and tins in exchange for cash from Ward Recycling.

Adrian explained: “We will gratefully take any cans that people have already saved or collected but we would just kindly ask that people no longer collect new cans.

Next on the agenda for HART is an event that will take place in September to raise cash for the hospital and the playground.

Anyone who would like to help with the event or donate to the trust can call 0115 9446165.